1Note for Report on Prisoners of War, [29 July] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, VI, 399). Having received Washington’s letter of 9 July enclosing copies of his correspondence with Sir Guy Carleton concerning a possible exchange of American seamen for British soldiers ( Virginia Delegates to Harrison, 16 July 1782 , and n. 9), Congress on 15 July referred these dispatches to a committee comprising John Witherspoon, JM, and John Rutledge ( JCC...
2Comments on the Cost of the War, [31 July] 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed copy ( Thomson, “Debates,” Charles Thomson, “Debates in the Congress of the Confederation from July 22d to September 20th, 1782,” Collections of the New-York Historical Society , XI (1878), 63–169. p. 75). See Comments on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 24 July 1782 , headnote. On 31 July 1782 Congress resumed the debate begun the day before on the problem of how, in view of an...
3Motion on Exchange of Prisoners of War, [22 August] 1781 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XXI, 893). On motion of Mr. [James] Madison, seconded by Mr. [Edmund] Randolph, Resolved , That in case General Burgoyne shall have been exchanged for the honble Henry Laurens, credit shall be given for the officers which may be received for him in the...
4Motion on Commissaries of Prisoners of War, [3 July] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 149, I, 480). In JM’s hand. That the Secretary at War be authorized to appoint proper persons to take charge of the prisoners of war at the said places until the said Commissaries shall be discharged from their arrests, or Congress shall otherwise direct Following “said,” JM wrote and deleted “trials shall be had.” On 3 July the secretary at war informed Congress that the...
5Motion to Request Report from Superintendent of Finance and Secretary at War, [6 June] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 321). This motion was written by JM. At its close, “pass’d” was added, probably by Charles Thomson. Docketed in an unknown hand: “Motion of Mr Madison Seconded by Mr Bland Passed June 6th 1782.” That the Superintendant of Finance & Secretary at War report to Congress the steps taken by them in consequence of the reference made to them on the day of Congress adopted...
6Report on Rations for Prisoners of War, [10–11 June] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 323). In JM’s hand. Docketed: “Motion of Mr Madison seconded by Mr Scott June 10. 1782 Referred to Mr Madison Mr Cornell Mr Boudinot Read June 11. 1782 postponed for the purpose of taking up a motion of Mr Midleton.” Charles Thomson’s “Register of Reports from Boards, Offices, and Committees of Congress, 1781–1785” notes that the report was “filed 8 Aug. 1782” ( NA :...
7Amendment to Report on War Department, [16 January] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 27, fol. 153). In JM’s hand. *That at all times in the absence of the Secretary at War, the Assistant be authorised to transact all such business within the department as shall be assigned to him by the said Secretary, who shall be responsible for the conduct of the Assistant By letters of 11 and 14 January, respectively, addressed to the president of Congress, Secretary at...
8Report on German Prisoners of War, [5 June] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 28, fols. 67, 75–76). The report and the words, “Rept. of Committee on the German Prisoners,” written parallel with the right-hand margin of the cover, are in JM’s hand. The cover also bears the docket, not by JM: “Report of Comee. respectg. german prisoners Debated May 15. 1782. June 5. 1782. Referred, except the last clause, to the Comr. in chief Secry at War and Super....
9From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., [ca. 12] February 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Years later, JM docketed the letter, “Madison Js Feby 1782.” Following the signature at the close of the letter, JM’s father added, “This letter was wrote about the 12th. of Feby. 1782.” A conveyance by a waggon returning to your neighbourhood this moment presenting itself I make use of it to forward you a collection of papers which have accumulated since the last...
10From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 12 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Madison, Js. Feby. 12. 1783.” Col: Jameson affords me an opportunity of writing which I cannot omit, although I have little more to say to you than that I hope you & the family may be as well as I am myself. I readily suppose from the reports prevalent here that some information on the subject of peace will be expected, & I wish it were in my power...
11From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 20 March 1780 (Madison Papers)
FC ( LC : Madison Papers). In this retained copy, JM omitted “Hon’d Sir,” his usual salutation when writing to his father. The extreme badness of the roads and frequency of rains rendered my journey so slow that I did not reach this place till saturday last. The only public intelligence I have to communicate is that the great and progressive depreciation of the paper currency had introduced...
12From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 29 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Your’s of the 7th. was handed to me a few days ago by Mr. Newman who is to call on me this evening for an answer. 700 dollars were enclosed in it. As I cannot get any wire of the description you direct, nor indeed any but a little fitted for bolting according to the flour model, and that at a price more than double the old one I have declined laying out the money. Should you be in great want &...
13From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 27 June 1776 (Madison Papers)
I this day disposed of the Bill of Exchange I brought down to Col. Zane at 42%. and filled up the Blank for the sum with £.180. I take this earliest opportunity of acquainting you with it that no inconvenience may arise from your making any engagements inconsistent with the sale I have made. I was unwilling to take so low a price for the Bill but thought it the best that could be done at this...
14From James Madison to James Maury, 24 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Although the cover is missing and the name of the addressee does not appear in the letter, its contents strongly suggest that JM was writing to James Maury of Fredericksburg, Va. Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892), p. 122, prints a portion of the letter and adds at the close, “ To J. Maury .” For Maury, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M....
15From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 1 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover addressed by JM to “Col. James Madison Orange County Virginia.” Docketed by James Madison, Sr., “Jany 1. 1783.” In his old age JM wrote “Madison Jr Jany 1. 1783” on the cover above “Jany. 1: 1783,” which also is in his hand. Mr. Fitzpatrick this moment called on me with notice of his having seen you and b[e]ing desired to let me know that you & the family were...
16From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 25 June 1779 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Mr. Hunter £2000. I shall not put it into the loan office as it is does not appear that Certificates will be taken in payment for land. I have applied to Col Zane on the subject of Iron, but can not get a positive promise. He has taken a Mem. and says he will write to you immediately on his return home. I was sorry to find the Horse you sent me in such meagre plight. The dry...
17From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 5 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed “5 June 83” by the recipient. After recovering the letter, JM added “Madison Js June 5. 1783.” On a fragment of the cover, in JM’s hand, is “Col: James Recommended to the care of Mr. J. Maury Fredericksburg.” By the post preceding the last I answered yours of the 16th. addressing it to the care of Mr. Maury. I was prevented by more necessary writing from...
18From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 27 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed “May 27. 1783” by the recipient. Probably some years after writing the letter, JM wrote “Madison Js” above the date line. I duly recd. yours of the 16th. inst: yesterday by the post, and hope as you are fixing a communication with Fredg. that I shall hear often from you during my stay here thro’ the same channel, as I shall be attentive on my side to fulfil...
19From James Madison to David Ross, 23 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
Be Pleased to Pay to the Order of Messrs Peter Whiteside & Co. The Sum of Two hundred Pounds this Currency, being the Amount I have received from them on Account of the Virginia delegation, and for which I have given them two dfts on you of this Tenor & date. Sir RC , two copies ( Vi ). Both copies in an unidentified hand, signed by JM.
20From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., [1–15 June] 1776 (Madison Papers)
would be adviseable to make the best terms you can with him. I intend to apply myself to him on my return home. I have not had an opportunity since I red. your last of taking the opinion of Col Pendleton on Ignatius’s Queries, but I shall speak to him on the subject as soon as I can find him at leasure, which his close engagement in business occasions to be not very often the case. Col. Henry...
21From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., [29] March 1777 (Madison Papers)
The family have been pretty well since you left us except Anthony. He was taken on Wednesday morning with a strong Ague succeeded by a high fever and accompanied with a pain in his Stomach and side. The Swelling in his Arm also increased very considerably and became hard and painful. I was a good deal at a loss in what manner to proceed with him being unable to form any Judgmt. of the nature...
22From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 23 January 1778 (Madison Papers)
I got safe to this place on Tuesday following the day I left home, and at the earnest invitation of my Kinsman Mr. Madison have taken my lodgings in a Room of the Presidents house, which is a much better accom[mo]dation than I could have promised myself. It would be very agreeable to me if I were enabled by such rarities as our part of the Country furnishes, particularly dried fruit &tc which...
23From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 26 March 1782 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 March 1782, Philadelphia. Reports receipt of a letter from Jefferson with a bundle of papers procured from the Cherokees. “My letter by Mr. Randolph contains as late intelligence as any we have yet recd.” RC (NNC-RB: Alexander Hamilton Papers). 1 p.; printed in PJM William T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison (1st ser., vols. 1–10, Chicago, 1962–77; vols. 11–17,...
24From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 20 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “Col: James Madison Orange County Virginia[.] Favd. by Capt M. Walker.” Probably late in his life, JM, or John C. Payne, whose handwriting greatly resembled JM’s, wrote “(Biographical.)” above the salutation and “Madison, Jr” above the date line on the first page. Having written a letter and inclosed with it a large collection of Newspapers for you which...
25From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 22 January 1782—Misdated (Madison Papers)
Letter misdated. 22 January 1782[3]. The manuscript of this document is now missing. A printed copy is in Madison, Papers (Gilpin ed.) Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 111–12. Many years after writing the letter, JM selected at least a portion of it for inclusion in the earliest edition of his papers. Either JM misdated the letter a year too...
26From James Madison to Michael Gratz, 3 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Recd. of Mr. Michael Gratz four thousand eight hundred and thirty seven continental dollars, being part of ten thousand dollars due on a draught in his favor by the Virginia delegates on the Auditors of that State, four thousand dollars having been received before. the remaining ballance eleven hundred sixty three. On 14 November 1780 ( Expense Account...
27From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 8 December 1779 (Madison Papers)
Having an opportunity by Mr. Collins I add a few lines to those I sent by Col. Burnley on the Subject of your’s by him. The Assembly have not yet concluded their plan for complying with the requisitions from Congress. It may be relied on that that can not be done without very heavy taxes on every species of property. Indeed it is thought questionable whether it will not be found absolutely...
28From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 30 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, but JM, Sr., docketed the letter, “Madison Js. cop. March 30. 1782.” Mr. J. Walker has safely delivered to me three letters from you attended with the money therein specified. He has also been so obliging as to undertake the conveyance of the several articles of Medecine you wanted with a Gallon keg filled with good Port: wine, to all which I...
29From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 30 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. The docket, “Madison Js Aug. 30. 1783,” is in JM’s hand, but he apparently added it at a later date. This letter may have been carried to Virginia by Captain Merry Walker ( Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (7 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , III, 208, n. 5 ). See also JM to...
30From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 6 March 1778 (Madison Papers)
Since I wrote to you by Mr. Cave I have taken the freedom to give an order on Mr. Lee who is at present at Nants for the money due to you in favour of the Revd. Mr. Madison who wanted to procure from Europe a few literary curiosities by means of a French Gentleman just setting out on public Business for this State, addressed to the management of Mr. Lee. I take the opportunity by Mr: Harrison...
31From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 1–2 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “Col James Madison Orange County Virginia Favd. by B. Bradburn.” I recd. your letter by Mr. Randolph and this morning have a verbal information from you by B. Bradburn. I shall send by him a Barrel of Sugar and a bag of Coffee, which I wish to be retained for your own use as far as necessary, & the residue divided between my brothers Fr. & A. This...
32From James Madison to Benjamin Harrison, 1 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Maine Historical Society, Portland). Franked “public Service” and “J. Madison Jr.” Addressed to “His Excellency Benjamin Harrison Esqr. Governor of Virginia.” Docketed, “J Madison Recd. 14h. Febry 1782.” Your Excellency’s favor of the 19th. Ult. notifying to me the desire of the Executive to associate me with the Revd. Mr. Andrews in settling the boundary between Virga. & this State, came...
33From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 24 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover addressed, “Edmd Randolph Esqr. per Express. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “Jas. Madison jr. Congress. private March. 24. 1783.” The express by whom I send this conveys to the Governor the welcome event of a general peace. The preliminary articles were signed on the 20th. of Jany. The day to which hostilities are limited is omitted in the abstract of the...
RC (Mrs. Henry M. Sage, Albany, N.Y., 1958). The inclosed is a state of my receipts and expences from the 20 of March to the 20 of Sepr. being two complete quarters. I am sensible that the law directs that it should have been transmitted at the end of the first quarter, but my account of extra expences, being mixed with that of some Gentlemen of the family who were absent, I could not then do...
35From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 10 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Randolph, “James Madison Novr. 10. 1782.” Only a portion of the cover is extant. On it, in JM’s hand, appears “The honble Edmun Fav’d. by Col: Bassett.” For “Col: Bassett,” see JM to Randolph, 12 November 1782, n. 1 . I put under this cover the Newspaper of saturday last, and a poetical production of N. England which has much applause bestowed on it. We...
36From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 15 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison. April 15th. 1783.” My letter by a private hand who left this place a few days ago together with late public letters will have fully apprized you of the decisive events which have taken place in favor of peace. The paper inclosed will amuse you with the bickerings in the British parliament on that subject. Genl....
37To George Washington from James Madison, 29 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 22d inst: bearing testimony to the merits & talents of Mr McHenry. The character which I had preconceived of this gentleman was precisely that which your representation has confirmed. As Congress have not yet fixed the peace establishment for their foreign affairs and will not probably fill up vacancies unless there be some critical...
38From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 5 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison Aug: 5. 1783.” Your favor of the 18th. ult. which my last did not acknowledge was in the mail & was shortly after recd. Your succeeding one of the 25th. inclosing the pamphlet came to hand yesterday. The Gazette which I inclose will give you a sight of the Philada. Address to Congress and their answer. Since I left...
39From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 June 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). A Vessel from West Florida has brought to the President of Congress intelligence from Govr. Galvez of the surrender of Mobile. No other particulars than those contained in the inclosed paper are mentioned, except the verbal report of the Capt. that the Garrison consisted of about 800 including inhabitants &c. Seven or eight vessels have just arrived from the W....
40From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 6 August 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Nat W. Pendleton, Wytheville, Va., 1961). Docketed by Edmund Pendleton, “James Madison Esqr. Aug. 6th. 1782.” I shall pay due attention to the request contained in your favor of the 29th. relative to the slave of your nephew. Should I however be so fortunate as to recover him, the price of slaves here leaves no hope that a purchaser will be found on the terms demanded. We have had several...
41From James Madison to Benjamin Harrison, 11 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Jasper E. Crane, Wilmington, Del., 1963). Cover addressed to “His Excellency Benjamin Harrison Esqr Richmond.” Docketed by Harrison, “Lr. from the Hon. James Madison February 11th. 83.” Your Excellency will receive this from the hand of Mr. Dunlap who will represent the advantages which his press at Richmond will derive from a payment of the allowance made for his losses in establishing...
42From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 4 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover franked by “J. Madison Jr.” and addressed by him to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “James Madison March 4, 1783.” The italicized words are those written by JM in the Randolph code, for which see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols....
43From James Madison to Joseph Jones, 19 December 1780 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, D.C., 1840). , I, 76–77). The manuscript is now lost. Besides the text below, JM probably added the news about the army mentioned in his letter of the same date to Edmund Pendleton ( q.v. ). Yours of the eighth instant came to hand yesterday. I was sorry to find the Assembly had...
44From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 14 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Docketed by Randolph, “James Madison Novr. 14. 1782.” Below this date JM added, probably many years later, “to E. Randolph.” By a line dropped for the post, tho’ perhaps too late to get into the mail, and by another by Dr. Tucker who soon followed, I informed you of the reappointment of Mr. Jefferson, that the act passed unanimously & without even an...
45From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 June 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Nothing material has taken place since my last. The fact is confirmed that Clinton has returned to N.Y. with part of the Southern army, and has joined Kniphausen. They are at present maneuvering for purposes not absolutely known, but most probably in order to draw Gnl Washington to an action in which they suppose he may be disabled to give the necessary co-operation...
46From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 26 September 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Yesterday’s post disappointed me of the expected pleasure of a line from you. I hope the next will not fail to make amends for it. I have nothing to add to the inclosed paper except that Ternay is yet unreinforced, Graves at Sea no one knows where or for what purpose, and Rodney with 10 Ships of the line still at the Hook, though according to some private accounts he...
47From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 12 November 1782 (second) (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover addressed to “The honble Edmd. Randolph favd. by Dr. Tucker who will deliver it himself if he can—if not by the hand of Col: Monroe.” This cover was docketed by Randolph, “Novr. 12. 1782 J Madison.” On the fragment of a second cover there appears, certainly not in Tucker’s and seemingly not in Monroe’s hand, “[Ho]nble Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Resolved...
48From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Madison Jas. Feby. 13. 1783.” The Chevr. de la Luzerne having just given me notice that he shall send an Express to the Romulus in ½ an hour I sieze the opportunity of inclosing a copy of the British Kings Speech which presages a speedy establishment of peace. What effect this circumstance may have on your mission is at present uncertain. For myself...
49From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 22 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned and lacks a complimentary close. Cover franked by JM and addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison. April 22. 1783.” The mail of yesterday like the preceding one broungt no letter from you. I just understand that a Frigate from France is at Chester, but what intelligence she brings & particularly whether she brings a...
50To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 13 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The Chevr. de la Luzerne having just given me notice that he shall send an Express to the Romulus in ½ an hour I sieze the opportunity of inclosing a copy of the British Kings speech which presages a speedy establishment of peace. What effect this circumstance may have on your mission is at present uncertain. For myself I cannot think that any thing short of a final and authentic ratification...